THE SAHARA DESERT EXPERIENCE

WHY IT'S DIFFERENT?

A Moroccan adventure that takes you from the mayhem of Marrakech, through the High Atlas Mountains to the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert.

Morocco
Sep - Jun
7 nights

From $1,218.11pp $1,415.85pp

BOOK TODAY $426.34 DEPOSIT PER PERSON

Based on two people sharing, not including flights learn more

AVAILABILITY

December 2024
Dec 4 - 11 2024
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Dec 11 - 18 2024
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Dec 28 2024 - Jan 4 2025
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January 2025
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February 2025
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June 2025
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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Sahara Sunset

Sahara Sunset

There's nothing quite like riding a camel out into the desert and sitting on a big sand dune while slowly watching the sunset over the horizon. So peaceful and tranquil, definitely a once in a lifetime experience.

Marrakesh

Marrakesh

A visit to Marrakesh certainly awakens the senses. Whether it's bartering for a deal in the chaos of the souks, relaxing in the oasis that is your Riad or having dinner in a fancy restaurant in Gueliz, there is something for everyone.

Aït Benhaddou

Aït Benhaddou

A UNESCO World Heritage site, your are likely to recognise this incredible kasbah as it's featured in many productions, the most famous being Gladiator and more recently Game of Thrones.

Morocco Cuisine

Morocco Cuisine

Rich with flavour, the food has a unique, delicious taste so don't be shy in trying their specialities from tajines with couscous to a pastillas and of course the obligatory mint tea. You can even take a cooking class!

"All our accommodation was excellent and unusual. Food provided was great and locally sourced. Our trip to the Sahara via the Atlas Mountains was epic and our memories of our sunset camel ride, dinner in the Berber campsite and our magical tent exceeded all our expectations."

Mrs Jan Wing - Guest

TRIP OVERVIEW

YOUR EXPERIENCE

Starting and ending in magical Marrakech, make the journey through the wild Atlas Mountains, stopping to marvel at the clusters of authentic riads and Berber villages peppered along the road. Enjoy a visit to one of Morocco’s finest kasbahs, the spectacular desert castle of Ait Benhaddou, and take in the wild beauty of the stunning Todra Gorge. Once in the Sahara Desert, take the trek on the back of a camel to the crown of the towering sand dunes just before the sun sets – an utterly captivating sight. Upon your return, a traditional dinner is enjoyed under a blanket of stars. End the trip in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains taking in the mountain scenery that unravels before your eyes. Relax by the pool with a good book and a refreshing mint tea or enjoy a well-deserved hammam.

YOUR EXPERTS

OANA

OANA

The Bright Spark - Meet Oana

ABDUL

ABDUL

The Humble One - Meet Abdul

NEED TO KNOW

DESTINATION Morroco
DURATION 7 nights
GROUP SIZE 8 people
ASSISTANCE Hands on
AIRPORT(S) Marrakech
FLIGHTS For more information on flights from the UK please refer to the Trip Details section.
VISA UK, EU & US not required
VACCINATIONS No

TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive in Marrakech

Arrival in Marrakech with an airport transfer to your boutique riad accommodation in the medina.

INCLUDED

  • Airport Pick-up
  • Mint Tea Welcome

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Souk Tour
  • Hammam
  • Cooking Class
Day 2 Day at your leisure in Marrakech

Day to your leisure in Marrakech. Soak up the magic and mayhem of Marrakech. Dive straight into the souks and try your hand at some haggling, explore the city's famous sights, gardens and palaces, or relax in your riad. Whatever you do, make sure you head over to the atmospheric Djeema el-Fnaa square as dusk settles. 

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Souk Tour
  • Hammam
  • Cooking Class
Day 3 Transfer to Skoura Oasis via Ait Benhaddou

Morning transfer through the High Atlas Mountains on a journey to the Oasis of Skoura, stopping for lunch at a gorgeous mountainside Kasbah in the Atlas and visiting the spectacular Ait Benhaddou.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Visit to Kashbah Ait Benhaddou
  • Dinner

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Hammam
Day 4 Travel to the Sahara Desert via Todra Gorge

Journey through the Dades Valley to Erg Chebbi in the Sahara Desert with a visit to the Todra Gorge. Take a 4×4 jeep ride through the desert to the Bivouac Berber Camp to enjoy the sunset camel ride and a traditional dinner under the Sahara stars.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Visit to Todra Gorge
  • Sunset Camel Ride
  • Dinner under the stars
Day 5 Travel to the Atlas Mountains

Breakfast in the desert, then transfer back through the Draa Valley stopping for lunch at N’Kob, later travelling to the delightful I Rocha Kasbah in the Atlas Mountains.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Hammam
Day 6 Travel to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains

Journey back through the Atlas Mountains to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains just outside of Marrakesh. Here, enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery unravelling before your eyes, or relax with a mint tea and a good book by the pool.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Berber Tea Making
  • Cooking Demonstration
  • Trekking
  • Hammam
Day 7 Day at your leisure

Day at your leisure to relax and unwind.



INCLUDED

  • Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Berber Tea Making
  • Cooking Demonstration
  • Trekking
  • Hammam
Day 8 Transfer to the airport

Transfer back to Marrakech Airport for your flight home.

INCLUDED

  • Breakfast
  • Airport Drop-off

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Hammam

TRIP ACCOMMODATION

A selection of our accommodation, which is subject to availability, however, alternatives are always of a similar price, grade and location.

Marrakesh

Marrakesh
Morocco

With all our stunning, boutique Riads located in or close to the Medina, you will be well placed to explore Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the souks.
Typical Accommodation: Dar One, Riad Al Massarah or similar

Atlas Foothills

Atlas Foothills
Morocco

The foothills of the Atlas Mountains are the ideal location to relax and unwind after your adventure journeying into the Sahara desert.
Typical Accommodation: Kasbah Bab Ourika or Casa Abracadabra

Tisseldey

Tisseldey
Morocco

Set in the low Atlas Mountains is the village of Tisseldeï, sat on the edge of a river creates a lush green oasis below the baron cliffs looming above.
Typical Accommodation: Irocha or similar 

Skoura

Skoura
Morocco

The oasis town of Skoura offers a peaceful setting at the end of a long day, creating the perfect place to kick back and relax.
Typical Accommodation: Sawadi, Jardin de Skoura or similar

Sahara Desert

Sahara Desert
Morocco

You'll take your sunset camel ride through the dunes of the Sahara to your desert camp, followed by a night by the fire under the stars. Truly magical!
Typical Accommodation: Beldi Luxury Camp or similar

TRIP LOCATION

WHERE YOU'RE GOING

The queen of diversity, Morocco represents a diverse and heady mix of cultures and scenery that are guaranteed to awaken your senses. With stunning mountains, buzzing cities and endless deserts, the country has so much to offer and seems to change with every visit. A fascinating melting pot of cultures and religion, you’ll be immersed in cultural influences from around the world, architectural marvels and tons of historical intrigue. Magical, mysterious and utterly captivating. This is the ultimate trip if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience and memories to treasure for years ahead.

DID YOU KNOW
  • An Arabic name for Morocco, al-Magrib al-Aqsa, means “the extreme west”
  • White is the color of mourning in Morocco and is worn up to 40 days
  • The Moroccan national costume is called the djellaba, a one-piece unisex, hooded, coverall garment.
  • Tea has become the national drink of Morocco and was introduced in 1854 by the British

FAST FACTS

CAPITAL Rabat
POPULATION 36.91 million
CURRENCY Moroccan dirham
TIME DIFFERENCE UTC

"Bartering is a way of life in Morocco, for the best deals keep light-hearted and jovial, it's a game after all. A good deal is a price you are willing to pay!"

Abdul - Untravelled Paths

TRIP TIPS

tips image

Taking photos

Always ask when obviously snapping pictures of the locals, especially in the rural areas, as it's the polite thing to do. Pairing with a complement often helps or take from distance and ultilise your zoom.

tips image

Touts and Hustlers

In general Morocco is very safe so relax and smile when dealing with touts and hustlers. Politely, but firmly decline, don’t engage and act as if you know where you are going.

tips image

Cover up

Whilst locals are used to tourists, it is respectful to cover up your knees and shoulders, so make sure you have a scarf, which will also help against the sun and sand while in the desert.

tips image

Pack warm clothes

The desert conjures up images of searing heat and baking hot sun, but once the sun sets then temperatures can really plummet to below zero so be sure to pack some warm clothes.

TRIP DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • ALL TRANSFERS
  • ALL ACCOMMODATION
    • 2 nights in Marrakech
    • 1 night in Skoura Oasis
    • 1 night in the Sahara Desert
    • 1 night in the Atlas Mountains
    • 2 nights in Foothills of the Atlas
  • MEALS
    • All breakfasts
    • Dinner in Skoura Oasis, Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains
  • ACTIVITIES
    • Visit to Ait Benhaddou
    • Visit to Todra Gorge
    • Sunset Camel Ride
  • THE SERVICES OF A BI-LINGUAL GUIDE
  • UNTRAVELLED PATHS EXPERIENCE EBOOKLET
GETTING THERE

As a tour operator we are not able to offer inclusive flights as part of our experiences however we are more than happy to help you find the most appropriate incoming and outgoing flights for you. All the listed airports fly directly in and out of Marrakech with multiple different airlines to choose from. We highly recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.

FROM TO MARRAKECH
  • Easyjet (Gatwick)
  • British Airways (Heathrow)
  • Ryan Air (Stanstead, Luton)
FROM TO MARRAKECH
  • Easyjet
FROM TO MARRAKECH
  • Ryanair
FURTHER INFORMATION

INSURANCE

In order to be fully covered on your trip should anything happen, we suggest getting an insurance before you travel. We recommend True Traveller, designed especially for adventure travel, who will be able to tailor an insurance package based on your needs. You can find out more here.

SOLO TRAVELLERS

Our prices are based on people sharing, for solo travellers who would prefer a private room the price per person will include a solo occupancy fee.

EXTRA NIGHTS

If you wish we can also organise extra nights at either end of your trip for you.

HOW IT WORKS

Book your trip in a few easy steps.

1

ENQUIRE ONLINE

Once you’ve chosen the dates you’d like to travel on using our availability calendar all you need to do is head over to the booking page and fill in the enquiry form.

2

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS

We will get back to you answering any questions you might have and confirming availability. If all is good, we can hold the places for you for 48 hours while you book your flights. Please note that this stage does not represent a guarantee of the booking. 

3

BOOKING FORM

Once you have made your necessary arrangements, we will send you a booking form you will need to fill in with your details and any other relevant information.

4

PAY FOR YOUR TRIP

As you fill in the booking form, you will also be asked to make the payment through a secure link; if you are travelling in less than 8 weeks, the payment will be paid in full, otherwise only a 35% deposit will be taken.

5

FINAL CONFIRMATION

Shortly after you pay, you will receive a confirmation invoice, followed by a personalised itinerary and digital booklet. All you need to do now is write the dates in your diary, prepare your packing list and look forward to your next adventure!

6

NOTES

Please note deposit is non-refundable. The balance will only be refundable if you cancel with more than 8 weeks in advance. More information about the cancellation policy can be found in our Terms & Conditions. We highly suggest getting insurance before you travel to avoid any problems. Our personal recommendation is using True Traveller.

FAQs

What is the currency?

The currency used in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham, often abbreviated as Dhs or MAD.

Where can I get a hold of the currency?

The Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency, so by law you are not allowed to import or export Moroccan Dirhams. Technically you’re not even allowed to take more than 1000 Dirhams into or out of the country (approx. £65.00) so we recommend waiting until you touch down in Morocco before you think about getting hold of the local currency. There is an ATM and a couple of bureau de change offices at Marrakesh airport so you’ll probably be better off withdrawing the money there. Beware of inflated exchange rates; these can be particularly poor at airports. Banks will change foreign currency for you and rates are consistent across the board.

Can I pay by debit/credit card?

Most major credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted throughout Morocco’s main towns and cities however cash is preferable particularly in the less built up and more remote areas of the country. While you’ll have no problem using your card to pay for drinks or dinner in places like Marrakech, many of the smaller towns along the way to the Sahara Desert only accept cash so do make sure you’ve got enough on you as well as small change for smaller purchases. It is always advisable to inform your bank that you’re travelling abroad in order to avoid the frustration of having your card blocked.

What sort of budget would I need?

As a general rule, you’ll be able to have a good lunch for around £8 a head and will pay anything between £15 and £20 for a nice evening meal. Naturally, the type of establishment you choose to eat in and what you order will dictate the cost of your meals. Be aware that as a Muslim country, the cost of alcohol is typically higher than it would be elsewhere and ordering imported drinks can cause your bill to sky-rocket so drinking local wines, beers or spirits is advisable. We reckon around £100 for lunch,
drinks and snacks for two people is plenty for your time in the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert when breakfast and dinner are included. For your time in Marrakech you’ll need to add the costs of lunch, dinner and any shopping you’d like to do whilst you’re there. Please note that these are rough estimates and you can always choose to spend more or less depending on your budget and preferences. 

Do I need to tip?

Tipping in Morocco is commonplace and practically anything can warrant a small tip. With that in mind, it can be a good idea to keep a supply of small coins with you just in case. Tip up to 10% in restaurants, a couple of dirham in cafés, and 2 to 3 dirham for the attendant when you need to use the loo. 

How is the weather like?

Autumn: Just coming out of summer, the temperatures in autumn are warmer and a lot more bearable compared to the height of summer particularly in Marrakech and in the Sahara Desert during the daytime.
Winter: With lovely mild weather throughout the winter months, the temperatures in Marrakech from the end of November to February are comfortable and there’s plenty of snow topping the Atlas Mountains making the scenery even more photogenic than usual. That said, evenings in the Sahara Desert often drop drastically so layers are crucial.
Spring: Spring is a lovely time to be in Morocco with mild temperatures. The snow on the mountains provides a stunning and hugely contrasting backdrop to your journey through to the Sahara Desert. As is the case with the weather in October, April & May bring with it much higher temperatures in the run-up to summer. The weather is milder in April than it is in May. 

Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

You can always contact the UTP team on +44 207 101 4061 or [email protected]. Before you travel, you will also receive a personalised itinerary with the contact details of the local manager in Romania should there be any problems. Your guide will be on hand throughout the trip as well, so you're in safe hands. 

How do I go about booking extra activities?

Our digital booklet, which you will receive before travel, contains all the information you need about optional activities. Simply drop us an email letting us know what you'd like to do during your trip, and we'll take care of the rest. Please note that the payment for the optional activities will be taken locally in cash. 

Is Morocco safe?

It is! You are highly unlikely to experience any problems during your stay here. That said, being harassed by 'faux guides' and petty theft is fairly common. Applying basic common-sense rules should stand you in good stead when it comes to theft and petty crime so avoid walking alone at night around unlit areas, keep an eye on your valuables and don’t flaunt expensive jewellery.

What if I get lost?

If you find yourself lost in a medina, follow the flow of people along the main paths and you’re sure to be spat out at an exit where you can find your bearings. Either that, or use a compass – street names will prove useless! If you want to ask for directions, the safest bet is to ask the shop-keepers. Be aware of 'faux guides'. 

What are faux guides?

Unofficial or false guides. You will no doubt encounter unofficial guides and street hustlers at some point while you’re in Morocco. If you want to get them off your tail be firm but polite and walk with purpose as if you know exactly where you’re headed. A simple ‘no thank you, my friend’ will normally suffice. We would not recommend taking these ‘guides’ up on their offer under any circumstances. 

What should I pack?

As the weather is likely to be hot and sunny you’ll want to pack cool and comfortable clothes, ideally not exposing too much flesh. For your time in the desert we recommend loose or baggy trousers that won’t be impractical for camel riding and a scarf comes in very useful not only for protection against the sun but also from the sand when the wind picks up. A scarf is also practical for women who can use it as a cover up over bare shoulders in local villages. Be aware that despite the warm daytime temperatures it can get chilly in the evenings so packing layers is an excellent option. A warm fleece or hooded jumper can also help to protect you from the cold during the night. With swimming pools at most of your accommodations you should also pack some swimwear. 

I am a female solo traveller. Is this trip suitable for me?

It sure is! You will be travelling with our representative and a group, so you're in good hands. While wandering alone around Marrakech, there are a few common-sense precautions that female visitors should bear in mind when they’re in the country: don’t wander the streets alone after dark; if in doubt take a taxi! It’s unlikely that you’ll have any trouble but you’re likely to feel pretty uncomfortable and wary so it is best to avoid the situation. If you are approached, don’t react with aggression, keep it polite and carry on walking. It’s a good idea to save the number of your accommodation on your phone just in case you get lost, particularly in Marrakech. 

Is tap water safe?

We highly recommend sticking to bottled water in order to avoid a tummy upset! Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive so please don’t risk it.